Pattern of malignancy in clinically solitary thyroid nodule

Solitary thyroid nodule (STN) is a common thyroid disorder. Clinically recognized thyroid carcinoma constitutes less than 1% of human malignant tumours. The risk of malignancy in solitary thyroid nodule is greater than other thyroid swelling. The risk of malignancy in generalized thyroid swelling is about 3% and in solitary thyroid nodule it is about 15%. This study was carried out in Surgery and ENT Department, Mymensingh Medical college Hospital from November 2008 to October 2009 to see pattern of malignancy in clinically solitary thyroid nodule. Total 108 patients of STN was included in this study, majority of the patients were within 20-39 years age group with female predominance. In addition to thyroid swelling some patients presented with other symptoms like cervical lymphadenopathy in 6(5.56%), dysphagia 2(1.85%), hoarseness of voice 2(1.85%) and metastatic lesion in bone 1(0.92%) cases. Among 108 cases of solitary thyroid nodule only 19 cases were malignant. Patients with malignant lesion presented with shorter duration of symptoms. Out of 19 malignant cases 6(31.58%) cases presented with features of metastasis. Malignancy was more predominant in male (25.00%) than the female (14.47%) in STN. Out of 19 malignant cases, 12(63.16%) were papillary carcinoma, 5(26.31%) were follicular carcinoma and 2(10.53%) cases were medullary carcinoma. Study showed significant difference (p<0.01) between papillary & follicular carcinoma and significant difference (p<0.001) between papillary & medullary carcinoma. Papillary carcinoma was most common among all thyroid malignancies in patients with solitary thyroid nodule.

Correlation of triglyceride level with acute coronary syndrome

The study was aimed to find out the correlation of serum triglyceride level with acute coronary syndrome. This cross sectional study was conducted in the department of cardiology, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, from August 2009 to May 2010. Socio-demographic characteristics, smoking habit, hypertension, serum total cholesterol level, serum HDLc, Serum LDLc, TG level were important variable considered. A total number of 100 respondents consisted of 50 cases (patient) and 50 healthy persons (control). Investigations included ECG, cardiac enzyme (troponin I), FBS and lipid profile. The data were analyzed by computer with the help of SPSS. Chi-square Test, T-test & ANOVA test were used as test of significance. The mean level of TG in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients (cases) was 168.2±58.0 mg/dl and in control were 141.2±45.3 mg/dl. So serum TG level is significantly higher in patients with ACS (p=0.01). In multivariate regression analysis, there was a significant association of elevated TG with risk of ACS (relative risk) is the highest, compared with the lowest quarantile = 1.011; 95% confidence interval (CI = 1.002 - 1.020; P for trend = 0.01). The relation of TG level to HDLc was a strong predictor of ACS (RR in the highest) compared with lowest quarantile = 0.02; (95% CI = 0.003 - 0.173; P for trend <0.0001). The study revealed that high level of serum triglyceride is associated with ACS. Categorization of patients with ACS on the basis of TG level may be helpful for risk stratification and management.

Expression of NOS and VEGF in feline mammary tumours and their correlation with angiogenesis

In order to define the role of nitric oxide (NO) in feline mammary tumours, the expression of endothelial or inducible nitric oxide synthase (e/iNOS) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and their relationship with angiogenesis, was investigated in 23 feline mammary tumours (two hyperplastic, 19 adenocarcinoma, one osteosarcoma and one squamous cell carcinoma) by immunohistochemistry. Tumour angiogenesis was assessed by CD31 immunostaining and was expressed as microvessel density (MVD). In general, iNOS immunoreactivity was localised in tumour cells and occasionally in stromal myofibroblasts, whereas eNOS and VEGF were localised in the cytoplasm of tumour epithelial cells and endothelium. In malignancy, expression of iNOS increased from well- to less-differentiated phenotypes (Grades 1-3) and was significantly higher in G3 and G2 when compared with G1 cases. However, increasing eNOS expression was limited only in hyperplastic lesions and showed no significant changes among the grades. In addition, expression of iNOS was positively correlated with VEGF and MVD in feline mammary tumours and both measures were significantly greater in less differentiated phenotypes (P<0.05). In conclusion, the expression of NOS isoforms in feline mammary tumours depended on tumour grade, and the positive correlations between iNOS and angiogenic markers suggests that iNOS synthesised by tumour cells promotes tumour growth. Thus, iNOS can be used as an important immunohistochemical marker to determine the degree of malignancy and prognosis of feline mammary carcinoma.

Antibacterial, antifungal and cytotoxic activities of amblyone isolated from Amorphophallus campanulatus

Objective:

To assess the in vitro antibacterial, antifungal and cytotoxic activities of amblyone, a triterpenoid isolated from Amorphophallus campanulatus (Roxb).

Methods:

Disc diffusion technique was used for in vitro antibacterial and antifungal screening. Cytotoxicity was determined against brine shrimp nauplii. In addition, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined using serial dilution technique to determine the antibacterial potency.

Results:

Large zones of inhibition were observed in disc diffusion antibacterial screening against four Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus megaterium, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes) and six Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Shigella dysenteriae, Shigella sonnei, Shigella flexneri, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella typhi). The MIC values against these bacteria ranged from 8 to 64 μg/ml. In antifungal screening, the compound showed small zones of inhibition against Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger and Rhizopus aryzae. Candida albicans was resistant against the compound. In the cytotoxicity determination, LC₅₀ of the compound against brine shrimp nauplii was 13.25 μg/ml.

Conclusions:

These results suggest that the compound has good antibacterial activity against the tested bacteria, moderate cytotoxicity against brine shrimp nauplii and insignificant antifungal activity against the tested fungi.

Current concepts in the management of stroke in children with sickle cell disease

Stroke is the most significant complication of sickle cell disease (SCD) in children with the potential for major morbidity and mortality. The recent two decades have witnessed tremendous advancements in understanding the pathophysiology of stroke, risk stratification of children and the role of timely preventative interventions. The aetiopathogenesis, types of stroke and specific risk factors are reviewed here with special emphasis on the role of transcranial Doppler ultrasonogram in the early identification of at-risk children. Published studies on primary and secondary prevention of stroke in children with SCD are analysed with respect to the levels of evidence, in favour of preventative and therapeutic strategies. The roles of the neurologist and the neurosurgeon are highlighted.

Purification of household water using a novel mixture reduces diarrhoeal disease in Matlab, Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, one of the main causes of waterborne diseases is related to the use of contaminated surface water. This pilot study was conducted to determine the acceptability and effectiveness of a recently developed surface water purifying mixture to prevent diarrhoeal diseases in a rural community in Bangladesh. The mixture, using a combination of alum potash, bleaching powder and lime, is added to 15 l of surface water and mixed; the water becomes suitable for drinking after 30 min. A total of 420 households from 15 villages were provided with the mixture and were taught how to use it. Episodes of diarrhoeal disease from study families were determined from hospital records of the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B) in Matlab and were compared with diarrhoea episodes among 1613 control families who were not provided with the mixture. A total of 83 diarrhoeal patients were treated at Matlab Hospital from 1613 control families, but only one patient was treated for diarrhoea from among the intervention families. Among the intervention families, 73 families decided to shift from using tube well water to surface water using the mixture. The mixture could be used as a cheaper, easier and simpler point-of-use water treatment strategy in Bangladesh.

Effect of water management, tillage options and phosphorus status on arsenic uptake in rice

High arsenic (As) concentrations in soil may lead to elevated concentrations of arsenic in agricultural products. Field experiments were conducted to examine the effects of water management (WM) and Phosphorus (P) rates on As uptake, rice growth, yield and yield attributes of winter (boro) and monsoon (aman) rice in an As contaminated soil-water at Gobindagonj, Gaibandha, Bangladesh in 2004 and 2005. Significantly, the highest average grain yields (6.88±0.07 t ha(-1) in boro 6.38±0.06 t ha(-1) in aman) were recorded in permanent raised bed (PRB; aerobic WM: Eh=+360 mV) plus 100% P amendment. There was a 12% yield increase over conventional till on flat (CTF; anaerobic WM: Eh=-56 mV) at the same P level. In boro, the As content in grain and As content in straw were about 3 and 6 times higher in CTF compared to PRB, respectively. The highest total As content (0.646±0.01 ppm in grain and 10.93±0.19 ppm in straw) was recorded under CTF, and the lowest total As content (0.247±0.01 and 1.554±0.09 ppm in grain and straw, respectively) was recorded under PRB (aerobic WM). The results suggest that grain and straw As are closely associated in boro rice. The furrow irrigation approach of the PRB treatments consistently reduced irrigation input by 29-31% for boro and 27-30% for aman rice relative to CTF treatments in 2004 and 2005, respectively, thus reducing the amount of As added to the soil from the As-contaminated irrigation water. Yearly, 30% less As was deposited to the soil compared to CTF system through irrigation water during boro season. High As concentrations in grain and straw in rice grown using CTF in the farmers' field, and the fact that using PRB reduced grain As concentrations to value less than half of the proposed food hygiene standard.

Characterization of spinal cord lesion in patients attending a specialized rehabilitation center in Bangladesh

STUDY DESIGN

This study was designed as a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to find out the clinical types and sociodemographic characteristics of patients with spinal cord lesion (SCL).

SETTING

Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP).

METHODS

Data were collected by face-to-face interview, with a structured interview schedule from admitted patients. Descriptive measures and χ(2)-test were applied for data analysis.

RESULTS

Of 107 patients, majority (20%) belonged to age group of 25-29 years (mean 31±12.2 years). About 83% were males; 65% married and 54% illiterate. Agricultural and other day laborers constituted the major occupation groups with mean monthly family income of US $60 (±$53). About 92% came from rural area and 84% belonged to nuclear family. About one-third of the patients were referred by the medical college hospitals. About 65% of the patients were admitted at 1-29 days of lesion with longest duration of 3 years. Patients were mostly (93%) traumatic. Fifty-four percent had paraplegia and most common skeletal level segment was cervical (44%). About 43% had pressure sores at admission. Eighty-nine percent needed management for bladder function through the use of catheter. Age, sex and occupation were associated with type of paralysis, skeletal level of injury and neurological condition; physical status, causes of lesion, type of injury and skeletal level of injury; and skeletal level of injury, respectively (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Major cause of SCL was traumatic. Available treatment facilities were inadequate and needed improvement through government and private initiatives.

Effect of hesperidin in vitro on root dentine collagen and demineralization

OBJECTIVES

Caries progress might be controlled when collagen matrix could be preserved after demineralization. The aim of this pH cycling study was to investigate the effect of hesperidin, a citrus flavonoid antioxidant, on dentine collagen and remineralization in dentine lesion, and compared with that of chlorhexidine.

METHODS

The pH cycling was employed on bovine root dentine by demineralization for 14 h, incubation in testing solutions (hesperidin or chlorhexidine) for 2 h and remineralization with bacteria-derived collagenase for 8 h, for 8 days. Calcium release was measured by means of an atomic absorption spectrophotometer, and degraded collagen matrix by collagenase was investigated by assaying hydroxyproline. The lesion depth and mineral loss was evaluated by means of transverse microradiography.

RESULTS

The effect of testing solutions had a significant difference on the results of chemical analyses (p<0.0115 for calcium release; p<0.0008 for degradated collagen). The lesion depth and mineral loss were reduced in the lesions where were incubated with hesperidin and chlorhexidine. The remineralization in deep lesions was found when the matrix was incubated in hesperidin, whilst no mineral uptake in deep lesion when incubated in chlorhexidine.

CONCLUSION

Hesperidin preserved collagen and inhibited demineralization, and enhanced remineralization even under the fluoride-free condition.

Value of dysmorphic red cells and G1 cells by phase contrast microscopy in the diagnosis of glomerular diseases

The morphology of red cells by phase-contrast microscopy (PCM) is a useful diagnostic marker for glomerular haematuria. This study evaluated the value of urinary dysmorphic red cells and G1 cells (special type of dysmorphic red cell) count by PCM providing a simple, cost effective and low risk technique in the diagnosis of glomerular diseases. Urine samples of 120 patients with haematuria and proteinuria were examined and the percentage of dysmorphic red cells and G1 cells were calculated. Cases were divided into two groups; group I (>20% dysmorphic red cells- glomerular group) and group II (≤20% dysmorphic red cells as non glomerular group). Renal histopathology was used as the gold standard method for the diagnosis of glomerulonephritis. Results from PCM showed a sensitivity of 92.7%, specificity 100% by the detection of dysmorphic red cell while by the detection of G1 cells, a sensitivity of 97.6% and specificity 100% were observed. The percentage of G1 cells is superior to counting dysmorphic red cells. The high sensitivity of phase contrast microscopy confirms its usefulness for the detection of dysmorphic red cells and G1 cells that can guide clinicians in the identification of the site of haematuria using non invasive tests.

POEMS Syndrome

A 49 years old male patient admitted with 2 years history of lower extremity symmetrical sensorimotor polyneuropathy, sclerodermic skin change, erectile dysfunction, hepatosplenomegaly and monoclonal gammopathy. The clinical evaluation met the criteria for the diagnosis of (polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy, skin changes) POEMS syndrome. The patient was treated with corticosteroid and melphelan and responded well. We present a case different from the other cases with severe unusual burning sensation all over the body, which was his sole complaint and with this complaint he visited lot of doctors including psychiatrist.

Postoperatve pain relief in children after subumbilical surgeries-a comparison between caudal bupivacaine and bupivacaine-clonidine

In a randomised case control study in children undergoing elective subumbilical surgery, we have assessed the clinical value of bupivacaine and bupivacaine-clonidine mixture for caudal analgesia. Sixty children aged 2-10 years, were allocated randomly to two equal groups (n=30) to receive 0.25% bupivacaine 1ml/kg (Group I) and 0.25% bupivacaine 1ml/kg with clonidine 2μg/kg (Group II). The baseline haemodynamic parameters, heart rate and blood pressure were recorded. Intraoperatively children in both groups maintained haemodynamic stability and required less amount of muscle relaxant. Duration of analgesia in minutes was assessed by the time interval between the caudal extradural injection and the first analgesic demand by the patient. It was significantly longer (p=0.000) in Group II (712 ± 15.30 minutes) as compared with Group I (246 ± 8.74 minutes). Group II required significantly less supplementary analgesia after operation. There was no significant difference in the incidence of side effects between the two groups. Group I received more doses of diclofenac suppository in first 24 postoperative hours. We conclude that, when added to bupivacaine, clonidine improves the duration of caudal analgesia in children undergoing subumbilical surgery.

Anthropometric measurements of the arm span and their correlation with the stature of bangladeshi adult muslim females

Anthropometry is the science that deals with the measurement of size, weight and proportion of the human body. Stature is natural heights of a person in an upright position. This can be estimated from arm span length. In the last 50 years of the 20th century various mass disasters such as different powerful storm, flood, plane crash, train accident was increased. Very recently in Chittagong and southern Bangladesh many people were killed through land slides and Seder. As so many disasters were occurring it is possible to identify a missing person if a part of his or her body is available. The arm span lengths can be used as a basis for estimating age-related loss in stature and as an alternative measure to stature. The study was done for the estimation of stature from the arm span on one hundred and fifty Bangladeshi adult Muslim females. Subject was collected from Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka and some urban region of Dhaka, Bangladesh. The present study showed significant (p<0.001) positive correlation between the stature and the arm span.

Plasma Renin in ipsilateral renal vein in patients with chronic unilateral pelvic ureteric junction obstruction

Acute experimental hydronephrosis induces increased output of renin from ipsilateral kidney. In most clinical presentation of unilateral hydronephrosis the patients are however, normotensive with normal circulating plasma renin activity. In consideration of this argument we undertook this prospective study of ipsilateral renal vein renin activity in children with congenital Pelvic Ureteric Junction Obstruction (PUJO) and compared with other wise normal children. In this prospective cross-sectional study, started from July 99 to June 2001, twenty patients, age upto 12 years, with unilateral hydronephrosis and in control group ten patients without hydronephrosis were taken. 2ml blood was taken from the renal vein in study group and from infrarenal portion of inferior vena cava during exploratory laparotomy from the control group. All the patients had advanced grade of hydronephrosis and two patients (13%) had mild hypertension. In this study the mean plasma renin activity (PRA) was 45.58 ng/ml/hr (range: 11.69-67.56 ng/ml/hr) in study group. The mean PRA in control group was 5.9ng/ml/hr. The result of study group was significantly higher than normal (P value 0.0003). In Bangladesh we are doing more conservative kidney preserving surgery for PUJO, but need long term follow up of the patients undergoing surgery for PUJO in childhood for potential of developing renin-angiotensin induced hypertension in later life.

Expression of a Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor, Ect2, in the developing mouse pituitary

The pituitary gland is a highly mitotically active tissue after birth. Various cell types are known to undergo proliferation in the anterior pituitary. However, little is known about the mechanisms regulating mitotic activity in this tissue. When searching for genes specifically expressed in the pituitary gland among those that we previously screened in Drosophila, we found epithelial cell-transforming gene 2 (Ect2). Ect2 is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for Rho GTPases, which is known to play an essential role in cytokinesis. Although there have been many cellular studies regarding the function of Ect2, the temporal and spatial expression patterns of Ect2 in vivo have not been determined. In the present study, we examined the postnatal developmental expression of Ect2 in the mouse pituitary. Enhanced Ect2 expression was detected in the mouse pituitary gland during the first 3 weeks after birth, which coincided well with the period of rapid pituitary expansion associated with increased growth rate. Immunostaining analysis showed that Ect2-expressing cells were distributed in the anterior and intermediate lobes, but not the posterior lobe, of the pituitary. These Ect2-expressing cells frequently incorporated the thymidine analogue, EdU (5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine), indicating that these cells were mitotically active. Taken together, the results demonstrate the functional role of Ect2 in postnatal proliferating cells in the two lobes of the pituitary, thereby suggesting roles in developmental growth of the mammalian pituitary.

Intracellular calcium elevation induced by extracellular application of cyclic-ADP-ribose or oxytocin is temperature-sensitive in rodent NG108-15 neuronal cells with or without exogenous expression of human oxytocin receptors

ADP-ribosyl cyclase and/or CD38 are activated after oxytocin receptor stimulation in the hypothalamus and pituitary in adult mice, leading to facilitation of oxytocin secretion. Although cyclic adenosine 5'-diphosphoribose (cADPR) primarily acts as an intracellular second messenger, it has been suggested that extracellular cADPR stimulates intracellular ryanodine receptors after internalisation via the nucleotide-transporting capacity of CD38 in fibroblasts and astrocytes. However, little is known about whether extracellular cADPR activates neurones. To address this question, we used a model neuronal cell line, NG108-15 mouse neuroblastoma x rat glioma hybrid cells possessing CD38 but not oxytocin receptors, and measured cytosolic free calcium concentrations ([Ca(2+)](i)). Extracellular application of cADPR to NG108-15 cells elevated [Ca(2+)](i) at 35 degrees C. The elevation was significantly enhanced when measured at 40 degrees C. The cADPR and heat-induced [Ca(2+)](i) increase were blocked under extracellular Ca(2+)-free conditions and by 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate, an antagonist of melastatin-related transient receptor potential channel 2 (TRPM2) cation channels. Reverse transcriptation-polymerase chain reaction analyses indicated that TRPM2 channels were expressed in NG108-15 cells. Application of oxytocin elevated [Ca(2+)](i) in NG108-15 cells transformed to transiently express cloned human oxytocin receptors. The oxytocin-induced [Ca(2+)](i) response was also enhanced by heat. These results indicate that the extracellular application of cADPR, together with heat, activates cation influx downstream of oxytocin receptor signalling in NG108-15 neuronal cells, and suggest the possible involvement of TRPM2 channels in oxytocin release in the mammalian brain.

Use of in situ extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in upper ureteric stone

This study was done to determine the effectiveness of in situ extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) in upper ureteric calculi in terms of stone clearance, peroperative & postoperative complications and also to determine some criteria for selection of patients for this procedure. From July, 2003 to July 2004, a total of 67 patients, with excreting kidneys and having stone size less than 2 cm were treated by in situ ESWL using Lithostar plus Lithotriptor. The patient group comprised of 52 men and 15 women, age ranged from 14 years to 65 years. Of the total 67 patients selected for study 44 patients were included in group I, having stone size ?1.5 and visible distal flow of contrast on IVU & 23 patients were included in Group II with stone size>1.5 cm to 2 cm and contrast seen only upto stone. Four (04) patients from Group I and three (03) patients from group II were dropped out during the follow up period so that data of 40 patients in group I and 20 patients in group II were analyzed finally. Number of shock wave was given in 1 to 3 sessions. Finally 95% of group I and 85% of group II achieved complete clearance of calculi at the end of 3 sessions. In situ ESWL is a good option for the treatment of upper ureteric calculi.

Seropositivity of Helicobacter Pylori among the fish handlers

This case control study was done to study the seropositivity of helicobacter pylori among the fish handlers and to find out rapid urease test (RUT) & haematoxillin and eosin staining report correlation of seropositive cases. It was performed among fish handlers in the period of July 2005 to June 2006. Blood samples were collected from fish handlers (Group I) and some non-fish handler control subjects (Group II) to perform Anti-H. Pylori IgG test by ELISA method. Samples were collected from both the sea water area (Paikgacha, Khulna) and fresh water area (Derai, Sunamgonj and Dhaka). Seropositive cases having complaints and treatment history of peptic ulcer diseases were motivated for endoscopic examination to collect biopsy from upper GIT and rapid urease test (RUT) hematoxillin & eosin (H & E) staining were performed. A total of 235 respondents were included in this study, among them 163 were fish handlers (80 sea water and 83 fresh water) and 72 were non fish handler control (25 sea water, 22 fresh water from Sunamgonj, 25 fresh water from Dhaka city). Serum anti- H. pylori test was positive in 126(77.30%) cases in fish handler group (a) and 27(37.5%) cases in the control group (b). Seropositive cases were observed more among the higher age group (>40 years) than in lower age group (<40 years) which was 86% and 67% respectively. Endoscopic examination was done among the seropositive cases having positive PUD features. Total seropositive cases were 153 and among them 81 have positive PUD features, among them 48 cases were selected for endoscopic examination. Among the fish handlers out of 34 cases, 31(91.17%) were RUT positive and out of 14 non-fish handlers 6(42.85%) were RUT positive. Among the fish handlers, 28(82.35%) of the 34-biopsy specimens were H & E positive and among the non-fish handlers, out of 14 samples, 5(35.71%) were H & E positive. Fish handlers have more association of H. Pylori infection than non fish handlers and higher age group persons are more prone to H. Pylori infection. A significant number of seropositive persons have association with positive RUT and H & E staining report.

Blood pressure in relation to selected anthropometric measurements in senior citizens

This cross-sectional study was done to assess the blood pressure of the senior citizens in relation to the anthropometric measurements and indices. It was conducted among the Bangladeshi elderly citizens of selected areas of Dhaka city. Samples were selected by convenient technique. A pre-tested questionnaire and a check list were used for data collection. Data analysis was done by SPSS for Windows. Three areas of Dhaka city namely Nakhal Para, Badda and Mirpur were selected in this study. The study was conducted during January to June 2006. A total of 317 samples were studied. Mean age of the respondents was 67.1 years (+/-6.6 SD). Mean SBP and DBP measured were 126 mm of Hg (+/-20 SD) and 72 mm of Hg (+/-12 SD), respectively. Among them, 33.1% were hypertensive on BP measurement; amongst which 32.4% had both SBP and DBP raised; 55.2% had isolated systolic hypertension and 12.4% had DBP raised. Of them 44.8% were identified finally as hypertensive considering BP measurement and those taking antihypertensive medication. The majority were well nourished and at less health risk in terms of BMI, WC and WHR. There was a tendency of being hypertensive with overweight/obese (p<0.05), high WC (male p<0.05 and female p<0.01) and high WHR (female p<0.001). Percentage of hypertensive was higher among the seniors of the study areas especially among those who were overweight/obese or at health risk by WC/WHR.

Microneurosurgical management of temporal lobe epilepsy by amygdalohippocampectomy (AH) plus standard anterior temporal lobectomy (ATL): a report of our initial five cases in Bangladesh

Patient presenting as a case of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy (TLE) are usually resistant to antiepileptic drugs and surgery is the treatment of choice. This type of epilepsy may be due to Mesial Temporal Sclerosis (MTS), tumors [i.e. low grade glioma, Arterio-Venous Malformation (AVM) etc], trauma, infection (Tuberculosis) etc. Here we report five cases of surgically treated TLE that were due to a MTS, MTS with arachnoid cyst, low grade ganglioglioma, high grade ganglioglioma and a tuberculoma in the department of neurosurgery, Dhaka Medical College Hospital and Islami Bank Central Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh from August 2009 to February 2010. In all cases the only presenting symptoms was complex partial seizures (psychomotor epilepsy) for which all underwent scalp EEG (Electro Encephalogram) and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) of Brain. All patients were managed by amygdalohippocampectomy plus standard anterior lobectomy. One patient with high grade ganglioglioma recurred within two months of operation and expired within five months. The rest of the cases are seizure and disease free till the last follow up.

Morphological study of extrauterine length of the fallopian tube at different age group in Bangladeshi people

This cross sectional descriptive study was done to see the length of the right & left fallopian tube in Bangladeshi female and to increase the knowledge regarding variational anatomy in our country. Sixty post mortem specimens containing uterus, uterine tube, ureter and surrounding structures were collected by non random or purposive sampling technique from cadavers of different age groups and fixed in 10% formol saline solution. This study was carried out in the department of Anatomy of Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh from July 2006 to June 2007. Gross and fine dissection was carried out to study the length of fallopian tube (right & left). In this study our findings were compared with those of the standard text books. Maximum length of fallopian tube was found in middle age group (B = 13 to 45 years). It is about 9.19 cm in right side and 8.82 cm in left side. It is also important to note that more kinking was observed in middle age group.

OSNR variation of multiple laser lines in Brillouin-Raman fiber laser

We report experimental results demonstrating the variation of optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) of laser lines in Brillouin-Raman fiber laser against Raman pump power (RPP) variation. The reduction of OSNR is attributed to the spectral broadening of laser lines depending on the RPP. The spectral broadening is owing to the effect of the interaction between laser lines and turbulent waves (nonlinear interaction between longitudinal cavity modes). In our experiment, the worst OSNR is obtained at 650 mW RPP as a result of maximum spectral broadening when the Brillouin pump wavelength is fixed at 1555 nm. On the other hand, the OSNR improvement is obtained for RPP beyond 650 mW due to the effect of red-shift, the Raman peak gain is shifted away from the laser lines generated around 1555 nm thus reduces the spectral broadening effect.

Effects of local climate variability on transmission dynamics of cholera in Matlab, Bangladesh

Cholera is considered as a model for climate-related infectious diseases. In Bangladesh, cholera epidemics occur during summer and winter seasons, but it is not known how climate variability influences the seasonality of cholera. Therefore, the variability pattern of cholera events was studied in relation to the variation in local climate variables in Matlab, Bangladesh. Classification and regression tree (CART) and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to study the dependency and variability pattern of monthly total cholera cases. An average temperature <23.25 degrees C corresponded to the lowest average cholera occurrence (23 cases/month). At a temperature of >or=23.25 degrees C and sunshine <4.13h/day, the cholera occurrence was 39 cases/month. With increased sunshine (>or=4.13h/day) and temperature (23.25-28.66 degrees C), the second highest cholera occurrence (44 cases/month) was observed. When the sunshine was >or=4.13h/day and the temperature was >28.66 degrees C, the highest cholera occurrence (54 cases/month) was observed. These results demonstrate that in summer and winter seasons in Bangladesh, temperature and sunshine hours compensate each other for higher cholera incidence. The synergistic effect of temperature and sunshine hours provided the highest number of cholera cases.

The effect of salinity on morphological characteristics of seven rice (Oryza sativa) genotypes differing in salt tolerance

The effect of salinity on morphological characters of salt tolerant genotypes PVSB9, PVSB19, PNR381, PNR519, Iratom24 and salt sensitive genotype NS15 along with one standard check salt tolerant rice cultivar Pokkali were assessed in two factors Completely Randomized Design with four replications. Seven rice genotypes in combination with six levels of salinity (0, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 dS m(-1)) were randomly assigned in 168 experimental plastic pots. The different morphological characters studied include plant height, total number of tillers, Root Dry Weight (RDW), Shoot Dry Weight (SDW) and Total Dry Matter (TDM) content of the selected rice genotypes in view to evaluate their response at different salinity levels. The results on the effect of morphological characters indicated that plant height, total tillers, root, shoot and total dry matter were significantly decreased by the application of salinity. The genotypes Pokkali, PVSB9, PVSB19 showed significantly higher values and the lowest value of all these characters were recorded in NS15. A sharp decrease in percent relative-plant height, RDW, SDW, TDM, total tillers were found in susceptible genotype NS 15 after 3 dS m(-1) level of salinity, but these characters were found to decrease slowly in tolerant genotypes.